10 Places To Go When In Cebu

Cebu is widely known as the “Queen City of the South” because of its friendly people, endless shopping opportunities, and rich culture. But how do you know where to go when you’re in Cebu?

Not all Cebuanos are the same. Some like to spend their day at the malls while others prefer to spend it at the beach.

Even within Cebu City itself, there are a lot of places to go.

So hoping you have already made ticket arrangements to Cebu from a quality airline like Cathay Pacific here are 10 places to go when in Cebu:

Try a birdwatching tour on Olango Island

Olango is the second-largest island in the Philippines, after Palawan. It is a low, limestone island surrounded by coral reefs. The island is mostly covered with mangroves, but the northern part is covered with tropical rainforest. The island is home to the endemic Cebu Flowerpecker, Cebu Black Shama, Cebu Wattled Bat, and Cebu Streaked Hornbill.

If you truly want to experience the beauty of nature and want to get closer to nature, then the best place you can go to is Olango Island. It is one of the country’s last remaining natural habitats. It is home to various species of birds and wild animals as well as marine creatures. Located in the northern part of Cebu, it is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the famous Camotes Island. A lot of people have gone to Olango Island because it is a birdwatching haven. People who have tried it have always said that it is a life-changing experience.

Sardine run in Moalboal

When visiting Cebu, a great adventure is the sardine run. It is an annual migration of sardines that happens between July and September. It is a spectacular event that is celebrated in Moalboal. For those of you who are not familiar with the sardine run, here is a little background information. The sardine run is the migration of sardines or pilchards around the world. The sardine run is most popular in the Indian Ocean, where it occurs in the Mozambique Channel. The sardine run was first observed in the 1860s and, since then, has been drawing in many tourists from around the world.

Cebu Taoist Temple

Located at Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Cebu, the Taoist Temple is the first Taoist temple in the Philippines. It was built in 1885 by Chinese immigrants who had escaped the anti-Chinese riots in Manila and a group of Filipino followers of Chinese Taoism. During special Taoist ceremonies, this temple is packed with devotees. The temple is also a tourist spot, with a plethora of Taoist charms and amulets available for purchase.

Osmena Peak for hiking

Mount Osmena is actually the highest peak in the city of Cebu. It is located at the heart of the city and has a height of 1,050 meters above sea level. Also known as Mount Lantoy, this mountain is considered one of the great mountains in the Philippines. 

Osmena Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations when visiting Cebu. It is located in the southern portion of the city, which provides a spectacular view of the Tañon Strait. The location also helps that it is near to the airport and is only 15 minutes away from downtown Cebu. Mount Osmena is known for its spectacular view of the city and the sea, which is why it is a favorite destination of hikers in Cebu. It is a good place to go to just relax and take in the scenic view. The peak is also a good place to go for a picnic.

Sirao Garden

Sirao Garden is a private garden that was once owned by a Spanish family, who took care of it for generations. Sirao Garden is located in the center of the city, right behind the Cathedral. One of the most known tourist destinations in the province, it is a must-see place in Cebu. The garden is a favorite among many Cebuanos, especially on Sundays. People come here to relax and take a break from the busy city. The garden is located in Sanciangko Street in South Cebu and is open every day from 6 AM to 6 PM.

It is a garden that has been converted into a city park, which makes it a perfect place for family outings and for those who want to take a stroll.

Water activities at Camotes Island

Camotes Islands is a group of islands in the Cebu province. These islands are actually close to the province of Leyte, which is about 182 miles or 296 kilometers away from the main island of Cebu. Camotes Islands is made up of three main islands, namely Mactan Island, Poro Island, and Pacijan Island. The islands are popularly known for their white sand beaches and diving spots.

Camotes is a great place for water activities. Known for its clear blue waters and fine white sands, Camotes is a popular getaway for Cebu residents and tourists alike. The island is best known for its coral-lined shorelines, hundreds of limestone cliffs, and hidden coves and beaches. Boat tours can be arranged at the port of Danao City on the neighboring island of Leyte.

Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island is one of the famous tourist spots when visiting Cebu. It is an island just off the coast of Cebu and is a great place to go diving or snorkeling. According to locals, it is a great place to go fishing and camping as well. The island is also home to several species of birds and fish. A group of divers went on a camping trip at Sumilon once. Their trip was cut short due to strong winds, and they were stranded on the island overnight. Luckily they had enough supplies to survive the night. The next morning the skies were clear, and they were able to leave the island.

Sumilon Island, a beach paradise a short boat ride from the mainland of Cebu, is a marine reserve that has been a sanctuary for a wide variety of marine life for centuries. The island itself is a natural wonderland of clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking marine life. It is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers alike and has also been featured in many Spanish travel magazines.

Canyoneering at Kawasan falls

Canyoneering is a popular outdoor sport in Cebu, especially in Kawasan falls. Canyoneering is done by hiking canyons, usually with a flow of water in them. The goal is to pass through the canyon (or canyon section) and get to the other side. The activity can be done as part of a day hike or as part of a multi-day backpacking trip. Some canyons are very long, requiring several days to hike through to the end. Canyoneering is an activity with a high risk of injury. It is recommended that only those with proper training and equipment attempt canyoneering.

Kawasan Falls for some canyoneering. It’s a 5-hour drive from Manila, and if you’re planning to go there, you’ll have to get a guide or else you won’t be able to go inside. You’ll love the scenery, the waterfalls, and the thrill of climbing rocks and jumping into the water.